Gaillarida pulchella. Also known as Firewheel. This annual American wildflower has a cone centre, a bit like Echinacea, but surrounded by sunset red petals tipped in gold. Start Blanketflower Gaillardia seeds indoors 4 to 6 weeks before last frost, or direct sow in April. For best results, top dress with well-rotted manure just as flowering starts. Deadhead regularly and avoid overhead watering to prevent the onset of mildew in late summer. Gaillardia will self sow, but is not an invasive plant. Its natural drought resistance makes it an excellent choice for xeriscaping. They are also nice to have around for cut flower arrangements. Flowers can be quite variable in size and colour pattern.

Annual

How to Grow Gaillardia

General
Annual Gaillardia is known as Blanket Flower in its native North America.

LatinGaillardia pulchella
Family: Asteraceae

Difficulty
Easy

Season & ZoneExposure: Full sunZone: 1-10

Timing
Direct sowing is easiest, and is done after last frost or in the autumn, in places where winter is mild. They can also be sown indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost — in late February on the coast. These would be transplanted out in early April. Seeds will germinate in 7-20 days. If starting indoors, provide bright light and a soil temperature of 21°C (70°F).

Starting
Sow on the surface of the soil. Transplant or thin to stand 15-30cm (6-12″) apart.

Growing
Feed once, just as flowering begins, and top-dress with well-rotted manure once in summer. Deadhead regularly. Water regularly during dry spells, keeping leaves as dry as possible – this can be done in the early morning, so leaves dry off by noon. Gaillardia will self sow.

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